The Kassel Family Project Life 365

Today, John wrapped up his last two merit badges – Communication and Citizenship in the Community.

Tomorrow, he will finish his Statement of Ambitions and then have his Scoutmaster conference. On Thursday, he will submit his paperwork to Great Rivers Council for the rank of Eagle. All that will be left then is his Board of Review. The finish line is in site, and I am so damn proud of this kid.

For Laura, it was obvious that she was going to be an Eagle Scout, but for John, it was very different. He never wanted it. At some point after he earned the rank of Life, his thought process began to change. However, focus was always a problem and staying on task was a huge struggle. Recently, we learned that John has ADHD, which explains a lot about his behaviors and who he is. Focus is NOT his friend. So, to be able to finish this marathon is a testament to him because it takes focus, task orientation, and a lot of work. Yes, many wonderful people helped him along the way, and Andy and I pushed him and reminded him of tasks over and over again. But, in the end, it is up to the Scout, and here he is literally two days away from submitting his paperwork.

I cannot wait to hug this kid when he earns that rank because what we did not know when his scouting journey started at the age of six is that the deck was actually stacked against him. You are almost there, Bud. Your marathon is nearly complete. I cannot wait to watch you cross that finish line.

On most mornings, you can find Jim laying in his cat tree and watching the backyard channel on the yard television.

I needed some me time, so I soaped. It started with the Midnight Bourbon and Vanilla Bean on Thursday evening and then morphed into 24 more bars over the course of the weekend. From left to right is Java Dream, Sea and Stone, By the Fireside, The Perfect Man, Midnight Tulip, and Stress Relief.

My favorite to make was Java Dream. It was my first experiment with adding coffee beans to the top. Next time, I will embed them a bit more, but I think they add a fun aesthetic.

Sometimes, I start making soap, and then, ideas start flowing. It makes it hard to stop!

John won a drawing for a Rowdy Pillow Pet while he was at Camp Redhawk. SEMO Athletics asked him to take a picture and post to social media. This was Take #1.

This is Take #2.

He eventually settled on Take #2 for the social media post, but we both had a good laugh over Take #1!

John and I have spent the last two days volunteering at the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri to finish his service hours for the Citizenship in the Community merit badge. This is his last requirement, and all he needs now is sign off from his merit badge counselor on Monday. Then, he will write his statement of ambition and have his Scoutmaster conference next Wednesday. He is so close to earning the Eagle rank!

I am in the mood to make soap again. Tonight’s experiment is Midnight Bourbon with Vanilla Bean added to the top layer.

I love the final look, and the scent is amazing. I am definitely going to have to buy more Midnight Bourbon fragrance oil.